The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is being advised by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PREOAN) to strictly adhere to the 30-day repair schedule for the recently shut down old Port Harcourt Refinery.
PETROAN, who raises questions about the potential effects of delays, says the rehabilitation must not go beyond the agreed length if the country wants to prevent worsening supply disruptions and economic hardship.
While the maintenance shutdown was anticipated, PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, stated in a statement on behalf of the organization because the organization fears that Nigeria’s long-standing infrastructure bottlenecks could prevent this.
The refinery needs repairs, but we are urging NNPCL to make sure the 30-day window is not just another announcement without any real action. He claimed that delays could cause more suffering for Nigerians.
The inclusion of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) blending unit in the ongoing maintenance is one of PETROAN’s top demands. Without it, the entire crude cracking process might not be as effective as increasing the price of gasoline.
READ MORE: NNPCL Reopens Port Harcourt Refinery For Maintenance
The organization also calls on the government to actively monitor the process. It recommends the formation of a task force led by Petroleum Industry Stakeholders Forum members to oversee repair projects.
PETROAN also requests weekly updates on the progress of the repair, as well as urging that contractors’ payments be made on time to avoid delays.
According to Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, “the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in a monitoring task force and timely communication with Nigerians will ensure accountability.”
The group warned that delays in finishing the repairs could lead to market monopolization, limited supply, and cost increases, which would have a direct impact on consumers and the already constrained economy.
Source: Channels TV
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